UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION (UUA)
Lifespan Faith Engagement: Woven Faith Orientation and Updates
In April, we asked you to participate in a survey about your congregational faith development needs. I want to thank you for your consideration and response. We heard from nearly 400 of you that you need support and resilience to respond to the high need for just action and care in your communities. We also heard that your congregations need opportunities for multigenerational connections and to learn and engage more with Unitarian Universalism.Woven Faith Registration
We're happy to share that our lifespan Woven Faith curricular series is taking shape and
will be responding to your stated needs. You can learn more and register to receive access to our free, low-stakes pilot year on our landing page.
Orientations
Join us for any one of these August orientations to the new Woven Faith pilot materials.
We’ll start by grounding in an approach of whole church faith development and cover tips for preparing your congregation. We'll also provide an overview of each component and requested feedback mechanisms, as well as time for Q&A.
Orientation dates:
- Thursday, 8/6 1-2:30pm ET / 10-11:30am PT
- Tuesday, 8/11 9-10:30pm ET / 6-7:30pm PT
- Saturday, 8/22 1-2:30pm ET / 10-11:30am PT
- Tuesday, 8/25 6:30-8pm ET / 3:30-5pm PT
We highly recommend attending as a team from your congregation. If you can't attend any of these times, we will record the first orientation, and it'll be available within a few weeks after the event.
September Content Coming Soon!
- Our full team for the year is assembled! Names and bios will be shared soon.
- Developers have completed drafts of the components for September. We're in the editing phases now, and they will begin to be uploaded to the website in July. They will all be available by the first week of August.
Q: What type of feedback is expected from pilot congregations?
A: We ask that you complete a 3-question survey, in rose, bud, thorn format, for each component you use each month.
Q: After the free pilot year, what will be the cost for accessing Woven Faith in
the following years?
A: We're working to make the series affordable for all congregations. One
possibility we're considering is a sliding scale depending on a congregation's
size and annual budget.
Q: Are there any expectations on how a congregation utilizes Woven Faith?
A: You can pick and choose what’s useful to you. We want you to be resourced for
exactly what it is you need and find useful in this time.
General Assembly: 2026
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An update from the all virtual General Assembly that's happening
right now for UUs across the world!
In short, it's been good, but not terribly... satisfying. We don't have a lot of big ticket agenda items to get to as we have had in GAs past. The big votes have been on volunteers to serve in various roles for the denomination - things like nominating committees and search committees, for example. The really important stuff was how we were in healthy and constructive conflict over some of the resolutions, amendments, and Actions of Immediate Witness. We disagreed. We discussed. We voted. Some things passed and some didn't. When items for the agenda weren't all that folks hoped for, they offered additions and |
corrections and communicated openly and honestly.
Being totally virtual was a challenge for many of us, and it allowed a good number of people to attend GA for the first time. There is no perfect General Assembly and no perfect system for how to gather and do our business, but just like in our single church, this gathering tried out a system, took notes, will learn from it, and try to keep getting better at being human, together. For that, I'm proud and grateful. A list of outcomes is below, via the UUA. For now, thanks to our delegates. If you're interested in learning more about GA for next year and how to be more involved, please reach out! General Assembly Outcomes |
Previous General Assemblies
For General Assembly in 2026, we are creating a virtual “everywhere GA” with both online and distributed in-person options that will allow Unitarian Universalists to participate in whichever way works best for them. This new format will reduce travel costs and environmental impacts, offer optional in-person connections, streamline production costs, and provide a more flexible schedule for participants.
We know there is a deep need in this moment to build and sustain community as Unitarian Universalists. Given the strain that our congregations and individual UUs face in the current political climate, when travel brings increased risks and person-to-person connection remains important to our continued thriving, we are leaning into this creative approach.
To maintain safety, accessibility, and equity, the UUA is offering several ways to engage with the content and connections offered at this virtual GA, including fully virtual participation streaming live across many time zones.
By experimenting with smaller, more localized gatherings we can uphold the value of equity for GA participants around the country and production quality that supports the experience of online attendees. Truly, we can be together everywhere as we build the courage and capacity to Meet the Moment.
2025: Multi-Platform | June 18–22
will be a multi-platform event with the main stage at the
Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
We invite you to join us for the 2025 UUA General Assembly in Baltimore and/or online from June 18-22—a chance to connect, reflect, and build a future that meets this moment with purpose and courage. This year’s theme, “Meet the Moment,” calls us to engage with the evolving challenges of our world, exploring fresh ways to deepen our faith and respond boldly to our mission. Across five days of powerful worship, insightful workshops, and community-building experiences, we’ll find inspiration together, reconnect with friends and colleagues, and return to our congregations renewed. Join us in person or online to be part of this transformative experience, where every voice matters and our shared vision grows stronger. GA Registration is now open and rates go up on March 31.
Now Accepting Program Proposals If you are interested in proposing a program for the UUA GA 2025 EduCenter, the deadline is January 15. This platform will serve as a comprehensive educational hub for our event, allowing for a diversity of educational opportunities. Presenters have the flexibility to pre-record a video, present a live webinar, or do both. Presenters can also upload documents, dozens of photos, and contact information In addition, presenters will have the opportunity to schedule an in-person meet-up for further discussion and Q&A. We are seeking impactful workshops and presentations that align with our theme, “Meet the Moment" Learn more at the GA website.
SPECIAL INVITE FOR YOUTH AND EMERGING ADULTS Please share the message (YouTube) with the UU youth (14-18ish) and emerging adults (18-24ish) you know that they are invited to submit a proposal to present a pre-recorded or a live webinar at the 2025 General Assembly. The workshop can have an in-person meetup component. Visit the GA website to see what it sparks. If you have an idea but it seems overwhelming, you can email your friendly Lifespan Faith Engagement staff at and they’re more than happy to accompany you through the application process or think with you about who you could partner with and even help you make those connections.
2024: Virtual | June 20–23
In a world filled with division and challenges, the theme for this year's General Assembly is a powerful reminder of the core principles that unite us as Unitarian Universalists. "Love Unites, Stories Ignite" celebrates the profound impact of love as a binding force that transcends boundaries and fosters connections within our faith community and beyond.
Our faith has always been rooted in the power of storytelling, and this year we'll explore how our stories can ignite change, inspire compassion, and help us build a more just and equitable world. Through storytelling, we share our experiences, our dreams, our struggles, and our triumphs. It is through these stories that we can find common ground, deepening our understanding of one another and the world around us.
More GA details:
- Are you looking forward to GA 2024? This year it will be all virtual! Watch this video to learn more. Registration is open!
- The Tentative GA Business Agenda is now available.
- You can view the full list of co-horts, on-demand workshops and featured speakers at the UUA website. We'll be using WHOVA again as our GA app.
- Our Ware Lecturer is Julia Watts Belser, learn more about her.
- The Sunday morning service is open to all, led by the Rev. Molly Housh Gordon.
2023: Pittsburgh PA (Multi-platform) | June 21–25
The theme for General Assembly 2023 is "Faithfully Becoming." We continue to live in times of transition and change; so much is in flux. The COVID-19 pandemic upended our lives, our communities, and the world. It made clear the devastating and deadly impacts of longstanding racial and economic disparities. The ongoing losses and threats from climate change (of which the pandemic is not unrelated), growing authoritarian movements and the rolling back of fundamental human rights – these all present tremendous challenges for our lives, our children, and our future.
Many feel worn out and overwhelmed. But times of significant change can also be moments of opportunity and possibility. Major shifts are happening. Our theology and our values as Unitarian Universalists are needed.
2022: Portland, OR (Multi-platform) | June 22–26
Meet the Moment: Reimagining Radical Faith Community is the theme for General Assembly 2022! We will have the option of meeting online or in-person! For those who enjoyed the convenience and accessibility of remote participation, General Assembly will continue to offer a virtual experience with robust programming and enhanced delegate discussion tools. For those who miss the in-person experience, GA 2022 offers opportunities to re-connect with friends old and new, local site attractions, and more! Join us June 22 - 26, 2022 online or in-person in Portland, Oregon.
And if you are interested in the videos from GA 2022, the on-demand library is now available to the general public. The library of over 80 workshops, worship services, and other events is now available. Some recordings are no longer available due to copyright or agreements with the presenters. Check it out at the GA Recordings website
2021: Virtual General Assembly | June 23–27
Circle 'Round for Justice - Healing - Courage is the theme for General Assembly 2021. General Assembly is a time to circle ‘round in community. We circle ‘round in care and healing; for liberation and justice; and for love and courage. We share stories of the work happening at our Association. and in our congregations. We study ways to implement and live into our mission. UUA GA 2021 will incorporate recommendations from the Commission on Institution Change report, "Widening the Circle of Concern" and dialogue with the Article II Commission about our Principles and Purposes
2020: Providence, RI | June 24-28
Rev. Schuyler Vogel, the minister of the 4th Universalist Church in NYC, gave a rousing inspirational lecture about the history of Universalism in America and his church in particular. He may be familiar to you if you participated in the online UU the Vote phone bank action back in May. He and some of his congregants joined our effort with UU churches here in the Philly area, and Washington, DC. We also got a brief introduction to the new Executive Director of Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center, Diem Jones.
2019: Spokane, Washington | June 19-23
The Power of WeIn a time of great challenge and heartbreak in our world, what does our faith demand from us? At this year’s General Assembly we explored the power, possibility, purpose, struggle and joy of finding the path forward together as Unitarian Universalists. Attendees left Spokane inspired, with the tools needed to carry on the work into their own congregations and communities. Join us as we continue to work for collective liberation inside and outside our faith.
2018: Kansas City, Missouri | June 20-24
From the UUWorld: The call of our faith has a place for each of us. Join us in Kansas City as we dive deeply into questions of mission for our Unitarian Universalist Association, for our congregations and communities, and for each of us as individuals. Join us to build courageous, collective leadership with tools, skills and connections.2017: June 21-25, New Orleans, LA —
General Assembly 2017 took place June 21-25 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130.
2016: June 22-26, Columbus, OH —
This year's GA took place June 22-26 in Columbus, OH and included a Ware Lecture from award-winning broadcaster and bestselling author Krista Tippett.
2015: Build A New Way at GA
2015 General Assembly (GA) was not just have green practices: we worked for climate justice. With
Commit2Respond, a broad Unitarian Universalist movement, GA built our capacities to: shift to a lower carbon future, advance the human rights of affected
communities, and grow the climate justice movement. Unitarian Universalist worked for climate justice.
The GA 2015 theme was "Building a New Way." It was about more than climate justice. It was about breaking out of our old ways, and using our creativity to live into something new. At GA we worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. Anyone who registers may attend; delegates from our member congregations may vote. Programs and childcare were also available for children.
2014: The theme for GA was Love Reaches Out
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Religious life in America is changing dramatically and rapidly. Fewer people are identifying with specific denominations and most mainline religions are losing members in droves. People now find many outlets and places of engagement for their spiritual lives. Current studies of faith in America show that there is a movement toward a liberal, fluid kind of faith that doesn t fit with traditional denominational identity and structure. We already know that for every adult member of Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations, there are at least three non-members who also consider themselves to be Unitarian Universalist.
A core purpose of our faith is to help people grow in spirit and in service. We believe that our faith provides a path for each of us to unlock our transformational capacity to serve the world with love. We want to expand our faith not just to grow Unitarian Universalism, but also to better achieve this transformational purpose. Therefore, the General Assembly Planning Committee, the UUA Board of Trustees and the Administration want the General Assembly in 2014 help our association live into a future where our Love Reaches Out to share our faith both within and beyond our congregations' walls.
